Final Fantasy 7 Remake is an action RPG that is set in an active 3D space, where multiple characters are engaging each other at the same time. The combat system is one of the highlights, and players who have sharpened their skills on generally tougher games may wish for a greater challenge.
That's where Hard Mode comes in, but you've got to earn the chance to partake in it by unlocking Hard Mode after completing the game on a lower difficulty. Here's everything you need to know.
Updated on April 18, 2023 by Quinton O'Connor: We've built upon the framework of this guide by adding specifics on what to expect from FF7 Remake's Hard Mode challenge, as well as what you'll earn for overcoming it.
How To Unlock Hard Mode
In order to unlock Hard Mode, the player needs to finish the story of Final Fantasy 7 Remake under one of the other three difficulty modes in the game. This means finishing all eighteen chapters and defeating the end boss.
Once the player has done this, they can replay any chapter in the game on the new difficulty mode. The player cannot start a fresh save on Hard Mode, so you will be using the same levels, Materia, and equipment you had when you previously completed the game.
What Makes Hard Mode Different?
There's a lot going on in FF7 Remake's Hard Mode - more than some may expect. Depending on your play style during your initial run through the game, you may find Hard Mode more frustrating than fun. On the other hand, you might thrive on its challenge, and regardless, it's the only way to access certain endgame fights. So, there's that.
Difficulty Modifiers
- The enemies are all tougher, from the first chapter to the last. Higher stats, including larger HP pools, make fights dicier and potentially longer as well.
- Healing items cannot be used either in or out of battle. They're effectively useless now.
- Benches won't restore MP - only HP. This makes MP a precious commodity, as it's more difficult to generate.
Additional Content
- New VR challenges from Chadley. These are mostly classified as 'Rank 5', whereas Normal and below went up to 'Rank 4'. There are five 'Rank 5' fights, followed by one 'Rank 6', and one 'Rank 7'.
- Exclusive Combat Manuscripts can be acquired to further upgrade (and max out) your party's weapon skill grids. Other exclusives include the Gotterdammerung accessory.
- As a little perk, you can skip the motorbike mini-games in Hard Mode, if you'd like.